THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27,1923. “IF LABOUR, RULES.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18899, 27 June 1923, Page 6

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27,1923. “IF LABOUR, RULES.”

There is much in the argument which Mr Philip Snowden is submitting to the British public in his articles in the Morning Post with which it is possible to agree in the abstract- The world of practical affairs is, however, not governed by abstractions. Mr Snowden sees signs of health and vigour in the differences that exist within the political Labour organisation. He suggests that differences are to be expected in a party which has not learnt the need of unity and solidarity through the acceptance of the responsibilities of power. It is difficult to see how the responsibilities of power can harmonise the fundamental differences that have been manifested within the party. “If Labour gets a majority,” says Mr Snowden, “ it will be because the electors rightly believe that the sane, commonsense, and moderate elements of the party will control the policy.” That is all very impressive, but Labour-in-politics must be judged bypositive tests rather than upon Mr Snowden’s presumptions. The electors of Australia and New Zealand have several practical examples to guide them. Where, for instance, are “the sane, commonsense, and moderate elements ” in several of the Labour Governments which have held power in the Commonwealth of Australia? Mr Watson was the first Labour Prime Minister in Australia. To-day he is repudiated by the Australian Labour Party. Mr Fisher, the second Labour Prime Minister, found the opposition of the extreme elements too great for him, and he graduated to the position of High Commissioner, only to find that the Labour organisation in an English constituency regarded him as reactionary and out-of-date. The repudiation by the Labour machine of Mr Hughes is more recent history. The facts we have mentioned together prove that “the sane, commonsense, and moderate elements” are subjected to a tyranny which is unbearable. In State politics Now South Wales has had more frequent experience of Labour Government than any other State in Australia has, and scandals have been more frequent and serious than anywhere in Australia. Labour has sorely disappointed those friends who supposed that it would introduce elements into the political life that would raise its tone and elevate its standard. Instead of this the Labour “machine,” in both municipal and State politics, has supplied examples of the most discreditable practices. The recent Labour conference in New South Wales discussed questions of internal interest that revealed the existence of intrigue of a flagrantly dishonest character. It found, among other things, that ballot boxes had been constructed, with sliding panels for use in its own selection ballots, and that these provided access to uncounted ballot papers, and its time was spent in discussing practices such as should be calculated to destroy the confidence of all right-minded persons in some of its leaders. A candidate in New Zealand who claimed to be “ sane, commonsense, and moderate” would be regarded with more than suspicion by the officials of the party. Certainly, for political purposes the Parliamentary representatives of the party are endeavouring to assume the virtue of moderation oven though they may not possess it. They' have observed that a policy of extreme and unreasoning opposition to existing institutions is not popular, and it is perfectly obvious that they are placing a curb upon their tongues for reasons which it is not difficult to divine. In no member is this more noticeable than it is in Mr Holland himself, who, in Australia only a few short years ago, was in constant conflict with the " sane, commonsense, and moderate elements” in the Australian Labour Party. “When the devil is sick ” he is credited with hungering after a better state, but before Labour can be generally trusted with the control of national affairs it must produce proof that its conversion to sanity', commonsense, and moderation is genuine, and that its present professions are not designed merely to hoodwink the electors. j

EMPIRE PREFERENCE. The proposal that a policy of reciprocal preference should be established between the dominions and Great Britain is at present attracting a great deal of attention, and the Imperial Economic Conference will be compelled to give more serious consideration to it than has been accorded to it in the past. The principle underlying the ideal of Empire preference is exceedingly simple and some of the results that would follow upon the complete adoption of it can be estimated in advance. The dominions have accorded a measure of preference to the manufactures of the Motherland, but in practically every case the rate of duty that has been brought into force has been one that affords protection to local products with which tho British goods come into competition. The adoption of this policy has generally tended to increase the height of the wall of protection by placing Customs duties on a higher level than would be the ease in the absence of a policy of preference. The effect is to raise the price of goods affected to local consumers. It is now proposed to extend the principle of Empire preference and a strong determination is being exhibited to ask Great Britain to accord a preference to the products of the dominions. If Britain followed the example of the dominions she would first of all adopt a policy of protection for her own producers and then fix a lower rate of Customs duty for the products imported from the dominions than that fixed for products from outside the Empire. The effects of the adoption of such a policy are easily discernible. Prices would rise and the cost of production of all British manufactures would be increased. One important result would be to place Britain at a distinct disadvantage in the markets of the world, which would also include those of tho dominions. In view of the increase that would be caused in the cost of living in Great Britain wages would certainly have to be increased, and though the dominion would receive higher prices for its produce it would pay correspondingly higher prices for all articles of British manufacture.' The elementary fact in the situation, therefore, is that when the circle had been completed buyer and seller would be paying higher prices and receiving higher prices, but in the world’s markets Great Britain would be penalised. His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, Mr N. Blmslie, speaking in Palmerston North last week, emphasised the obvious disadvantages that would have to be faced in the Old Country in consequence of tho granting to tho dominions of direct preference on produce and raw material. The Old Country, he said, had built up industries on cheap production, and the whole feeling of the country was that the marketing costs should be kept down. His opinion, therefore, was that the imposition of actual duties on foodstuffs would not be agreed to. On the other hand, he was certain, he said, that the people of Groat Britain were anxious to find some way to meet the wishes of the dominions. General Smuts, it may have been observed, believes that large advantages would accrue to the Empire from widened preference, but he properly recognises tnat the fiscal policy of Great Britain is a matter for the people themselves. The crucial point seems to be that economically the adoption of a system under which a tariff preference , would be given to the products of the dominions would prejudicially injure the British people. At the same time, it may be doubtful whether, in the long run, the effect would be to bring great advantages to the dominions. STATE SHIPPING. Advocates of the establishment by the Government of New Zealand of a State shipping line are not discouraged by the results elsewhere of State shipping enterprises. In Parliament there is an insistent demand on the part of certain members for this extension of the activities of the State. Nor would the demand be made were it not that there is an agitation outside Parliament in favour of the adoption of this course—an agitation grounded in the belief that the existing freights on produce are higher than tho circumstances warrant. It was only last week that, with engaging frankness, a member of the United States Shipping Board stated on his arrival at Sydney that he was not surprised that tho Commonwealth Shipping Lino was not paying as well as had been anticipated, as both in America and Canada shipping control was attended by losses. At this present moment, the United States Government is pondering the problem of its embarrassing mercantile fleet. The best it can hope to make of a bad business will be bad enough. The fleet consists of some 1400 vessels, approximately 10 million tons deadweight. Considerably more than half of it is tied up. In January last the idle vessels included 874 steel steamers representing in the aggregate 5,585,160 tons. The fleet has already been in the market—that is to say, the American market, for it is not-to be permitted to go to foreigners-—so long without attracting buyers that the Government is being forced back upon the idea of directly operating a proportion of the vessels itself. Mr A. D. Lasker, who is retiring from the position of chairman of the United States Shipping Board, has finally advised the Government to take that course. His suggestion is that the Government should assume direct operation of 250 vessels, maintain 200 as a reserve, and “scrap” tho rest. It is an heroic proposition. Strong opposition to it is coming from tho National Merchant Marine Association, which apparently considers that the Government ought to sell the fleet to Americans for what it can get. The Government’s decision to go into the shipping business itself, with a programme in competition with private interests, has been conditional upon its inability to sell “without unjustifiable sacrifice.” President Harding’s latest statement upon tho subject leaves little room for doubt that it is prepared to abide by tho consequences of that decision. Action on its part along such linos will be far from popular, even as it is fairly certain to be unprofitable. Another aspect in which the contemplated step may be viewed is thus presented by the Daily Chronicle ; —“There is something ludicrous in tho most antiSocialist Government in the world, so anti-i Socialist that it would not allow any State control of railways or telegraphs, undertaking the largest Socialist enterprise ever ■ attempted, save in Russia. No one pretends that there are any prospects of success. The motive is simply reluctance to admit America’s gigantic failure upon the seven seas.

But how long will the American citizen stand good for it? When Congress rejected the Shipping Act, it did so simply on behalf of the taxpayers’ pocket. The drain now stands to be greater than ever. A seafaring nation cannot be created by official edict.”

The new cure for diabetes, which has been successfully tested both in Canada and London during the past few mouths, will in due course be tried at the Dunedin Hospital. Insulin is the name of the cure, and arrangements have been made to enable it to be manufactured in Australia. The local supply will be obtained from Australia. Insulin is manufactured from! the pancreas of the pig by a simple treatment ivith alcohol. The drug is injected subcutaneously. It is impossible to say how long it is necessary to continue the insulin treatment for a permanent cure, but the improvement in sufferers treated in Canada and London indicates that insulin is a groat advance on the previous methods of dealing with diabetes The Standing Committee of the Harbour Board decided at its meeting on Tuesday to inaugurate two shifts ou the reclamation work at Lake Logan. The two shifts will, commence operations to-day. At the same meeting the offer of the Bluff Harbour Board of its dredge to assist in the reclamation work was considered. The Bluff body asked £24,000 for the use of the dredge for 12 months, this amount to cover wages, working expenses, etc. The Standing Committee went into the matter, but did not view the offer with any great enthusiasm, as it was pointed out tliat it cost only £15,000 per annum to work both the Vulcan and dredge 222. It was finally decided to hand on the offer to the Exhibition Committee, and leave the responsibility of accepting or rejecting it in its hands. The following are the returns of infectious diseases in the Dunedin and Fever Hospitals for the week ended Monday, June 25 :—Diphtheria—admitted 8, discharged 1, died none, remaining 16; scarlet fever — admitted 1, discharged and died none, remaining 3; pulmonary tuberculosis —admitted 1, discharged 1, died 1, remaining 7; lethargic encephalitis—admitted, discharged, and died none, remaining 1; cerebro spinal meningitis—admitted, discharged, and died none, remaining 1; puerperal sepsis—admitted, discharged, and died none, remaining 1; influenza—admitted 2, discharged and died none, remaining 2. Total number of patients remaining, 51. With reference to the price of wheat in isolated country districts, Mr Hugh Mitchell (provincial secretary of the Otago Farmers’ Union) has received the following letter from Mr A. W. Smith (manager and secretary of the Wheat Board): —“The Wheat Board at its meeting on June 20 again considered the question as to the price of wheat in isolated districts raised by Mr James Horn, M.P. I have to advise that the board is of opinion that it has no jurisdiction in this matter, the price at which the wheat is sold being one of contract between the miller and the individual grower. Millers, however, have agreed to pay the prices set out by the Wheat Board. If growers can obtain better prices than those arranged in the schedule of the wheat agreement they arc quite free to go elsewhere with their wheat. I wish to point out, however, that the action of the board in succeeding in getting the Government to continue the embargo against importation of wheat and flour from other countries has been the means of obtaining for growers a price of 6d to 9d a bushel better than they cou'ld have obtained had 1 the embargo been removed. If it does not suit the growers in Luggate to sell to the local mill there is, as pointed out before, nothing to stop them selling to Dunedin millers or to anyone else -they care to.” A deputation of Dunedin merchants waited on the Standing Committee of the Harbour Board on Tuesday with the request that the board should forgo its share of the charges for the receiving and delivery of cargo at Dunedin. The charge made by the contractors to the board, ‘Messrs H. L. Tapley and Co., for this work is Is lOd per ton, and the board brings the charge to 2s 7d per ton. The extra 9d per ton thus obtained by the board amounts, roughly, to £IBOO per annum, and it is this charge which the merchants ask should be done away with. The committee decided to refer the matter to the secretary (Mr W. J. Bardsley), who is to bring up a report on the whole position. A Press Association telegram states that the Christchurch City Council has adopted a remit to the Municipal Conference, urging the introduction of absent voters’ permits at municipal elections. The residents of Nightcaps and the surrounding district are petitioning Parliament against the closing of the Nightcaps railway. They urge that the Government should purchase the railway as the price is only £6OOO for two and a-quarter miles of line, about a mile of siding, station buildings, etc.

At a special meeting of the Taieri River Trust, the request from the meeting of farmers in South Taieri to pay the expenses of a delegation to Wellington in connection with flood damage was considered. It was resolved to pay the expenses of one delegate, and the trust decided to send a second delegate (Mr Ford), paying his expenses also. It was understood that the chairman of the trust (Mr Sadd) would be in Wellington at the same time on Government business, and would join the other two members of the deputation. At a sitting of the Juvenile Court yesterday five children, aged 13, 14, 8,7, and 5 years respectively, who were shown to be not under proper supervision, were committed to the Caversham Industrial School. An order for 30s a week was made against the father for their support.

Mails which left Wellington on May 22, via San Francisco, arrived in London on June 24.

The outlook for shipping companies engaged in the passenger-carrying trade is far from bright, according to Mr G. Miccol, of Auckland, who returned from Sydney by the Marama yesterday after negotiating for the purchase of the Mourilyan—the vessel acquired for the Auckland-Whangarei trade. Mr Niccol said that large numbers of vessels were laid up in Sydney Harbour, end there were many idle steamers at other ports of the commonwealth. The feeling was that if the conditions did not inrprove some of the companies would have to go out of the passenger trade. The Adelaide Steamship Company has already decided to take this course owing to the cost of operating the ships and the meagre traffic offering. Mr Niccol’s opinion was that there would have to be a readjustment of wages, as employees wore basing their demands on the cost of living when the companies had to keep them. The result of the prevailing conditions was that it did not pay tho companies to carry passengers.

On Monday tho D. 1.0. completed the purchase of the lease of tho Mutual Stores premises, Princes street. The promises will bo used by tho D. 1.0. for the purpose of carrying on its business until building operations on a large scale on the company’s present site arc finished. These operations will be begun early in 1924. Mr R. B. Tennent, of the Agricultural Department, advises that the results of the Tuapoka section of tho field turnip competition, promoted by the Otago A. and P. Society, were as folloy;—Mr R. E. Hyde (Island Block) 1, Mrs R. Woods (Beaumont; 2.

Advice has been received by the superintendent of police that Joan Leslie, 16 months old, died suddenly on Monday after drinking some sheep dip which had been inadvertently left on the floor of her parents’ homo at Middleniarch. An inquest will be held. Tire Manufacturers’ Association Executive last night received two lots of correspondence containing proposals for the organised advertising of locally made goods, but neither of the schemes outlined commended itself to tho meeting. Tho president (Mr R. Ouddie) had another suggestion to make, and expressed the opinion that the Government would bo willing to devote space on railway stations to the advertising of New Zealand made goods. Each centre should undertake to placard.its railway station with a carefully chosen slogan directing attention to Now Zealand made goods. Thousands of the public would see this every day, and this would bo a very great help. At present a great many people seemed to forget that manufacturing was going on in New Zealand.

Mr Henry Gunshall, of Greenhills, near Kaikoura, is petitioning Parliament to prevent the Kaikoura County Council or any other County Council in New Zealand from compelling settlers to remove fences or gates already erected across “paper” roads running through their properties, also to give county councils or other local bodies power to lease such roads for terms not exceeding 21 years, until such roads are, if ever, required for road purposes, also to give the councils power to sell such roads at a price to be fixed by valuation arranged by the local authorities and the settlers through whose lands such “paper” roads run.

The result of the voting of members ot the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association on the question of the nature of the Exhibition to be held here in 1925 was reported to the meeting of* the Association Executive last night. Altogether 55 votes were recorded, and of these 35 were in favour of having the Exhibition international, 18 favoured the Imperial idea, and one member recorded himself as indifferent. All the voters without exception expressed their determination to support the Exhibition whatever might be the final decision in regard to its scope. The result was received with gratification. The president (Mr R. Cuddie) said it was very pleasing to know that they were all anxious to support the Exhibition whatever its scope. It was satisfactory to know that they had finally settled the matter. He suggested that it would be courtesy to report the decision to the other centres, and this was agreed to. Persona who keep bees are required during this month to apply for the registration of their apiaries for the ensuing threeyear term. Registration is free, and forms of application may be obtained at the principal post offices. A well-known Auckland solicitor who has returned from a visit to Thames relates an amusing story enacted in the Magistrate’s Court the other day. A young Maori was charged with using obscene language, and was found guilty. The prosecuting police officer thereupon handed to the presiding magistrate accused’s list of previous convictions. “Yes, I see you have a fairly long list,” said the magistrate. “Oh, no, only the very few,” replied the Maori. “Weil, in 1919 you were convicted for assault, in 1920 you were convicted for using obscene language, and later on you were again convicted for assault. What have you to say to that,” added his Worship. “Well, you see, I only guilty of assault once, the second one you can’t count. You see it was a family affair.” The Native smiled, but that hod no effect on the magistrate, who handed out a sentence of three months’ imprisonment. The instruments of the Hamilton Municipal Band, which were seized by the guarantors some time ago, because sums of £7ll, and £9O for interest, were still owing to the vendors, were released a few days ago as the result of the generosity of a local business man who undertook the liability himself. Within a few hours he collected £230, each of the. guarantors donating £lO. The vendors gave £B2 and remitted the interest, £9O. If the outstanding amount is not collected by Saturday of this week the business man referred to, who ' desires to remain anonymous, promises to pay the balance due. It is understood that the band will be reorganised and will be renamed the Hamilton City Band.

Certain circumstances make for queer excuses. When Sergeant Power was giving evidence in the Police Court at Palmerston North in connection with two men ' who had been found on licensed premises after hours (says the Manawatu Times), he stated that he found one man on top of a water cistern. “What are you doing there?” queried the sergeant. “I am looking for a bicycle, which I have lost,” was the reply.

The practice of people entering into business on their own account with very limited capital and not keeping proper books, was discussed at a meeting of creditors in Auckland a few days ago. A creditor stated that he had been at several meetings recently where men who had gone bankrupt had not kept proper books, and, therefore, could not give their creditors a full explanation of their transactions. The Official Assignee (Mr W. S. Fisher) said that men commencing with small capital disorganised business. A man who tried to carry on on legitimate lines was continually faced with competition by these small people, and when they put in their tenders they found that men like the bankrupt in the case under review were a long way below them. The sound man could not compete against them, and there was always mischief being done Besides loss to the people who gave these small men credit. It was a very serious problem, and it was a matter for consideration whether steps should not be taken to stamp out the practice. People should not be allowed to think they could do that sort of thing. More than 100 scientists from oversea will attend the Pan-Pacific Science Congress, to be held in Sydney and Melbourne in August. Among those from New Zealand who have already intimated their intention of attending the congress are:—Professor W. N. Benson, Otago University (geology); Professor J. Macmillan Brown, Chancellor of the University of New Zealand; Dr P. H. Buck, Polynesian Society of New Zealand (hygiene); Dr C. Chilton, Canterbury College (zoology); Dr C. A. Cotton, University College, Wellington (geology); Dr T. H. Easterfiold, Cawthron Trust, Nelson; Professor H. B. Kirk, Wellington (zoology); Dr P. Marshall, Wellington (geology); Mr P. G. Morgan, Government Geologist (geology); Mr H. D. Skinner, Dunedin, representing Polynesian Society (anthropology and ethnology); Professor Speight, Christchurch (geology); Dr 11. J. Tilyard, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand (entomology). Whilst endeavouring to cross the ford loading to Whitelea on Sunday afternoon, Mr John Forbes, who is at present contracting on the Clifton Settlement, suffered an unpleasant experience as well as a severe loss (says the Clutha Leader). The stream was running very high at the time, and when about halfway across the horse which he was driving in a four-wheeler suddenly lost its footing and was carried out of its depth. Horse and vehicle were washed against some willow’s, in which they became entangled. Being unable to free itself the horse was drowned. Mr Forbes, by jumping into the stream, was able to make land safely, but with difficulty. When the Sydenham-Lyttelton and Marist Rugby football teams met in the first round of the senior football competition (says our Christchurch correspondent), the referee (Mr Perrin) had occasion to order two of the Marist players off, the field. Subsequent to this Mr Perrin received a number of anonymous letters, mostly of a threatening character. One, which purported to come from a lady, invited him to meet the writer at night by the Scott Statue. Although ho suspected a. trap Mr Perrin kept this appointment, having taken precautions for hia own protection in case of necessity. At the last meeting of the Canterbury Referees' Association Mr Perrin reported that he went to the rendezvous. The lady, who, he understood, was acting as a decoy, was there, he told the meeting, and so were the jokers, but the latter showed the white feather and retired at once. Mr Perrin said he was quite prepared to let the matter drop, although on one evening recently his house had been pelted with stones. All the Invercargill schools, both primary and secondary, are now closed owing to influenza, with tlie exception of the Boys’ High School, which is carrying on (says the Southland Times). The Girls’ High School opened on Monday morning, but closed again at midday owing to the number of pupils and members of the staff that were affected. A number of country schools are also closed for various reasons, the Garston and Arrowtown Schools on account of heavy snow in the surrounding country, the Wallacetown School on account of a flood on the road between Wallacetown and Underwood, and the Rimu and Waikouro Schools on account of influenza. Miss Jinks: How young you are looking now! Do tell me your secret. Mrs Binks: “No-Rubbing’’ Laundry Help, that’s my treasured secret. ’iNo-Rubbing” does the hard work, while I do the light.—Advt. For bronchial coughs, take Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure.—Advt. A. E. J. Blake’ey, dentist, Bank of Australasia, corner of Bond and Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office). Teloplione 1859. — Advt. » Diamond Engagement Rings.—Great variety, £lO to £IOO. Before buying elsewhere Compaq our values. —Peter Dick, jewellers and opticians, Moray place, Dunedin.—Advt.